Monday morning encouragement...
This page is out of my Travelers Notebook journal from a month ago. And Yes, we’re moving if you haven’t heard! But it’s quite a process, as many of you know. And most of us in these types of moments have asked this question:
What is the will of God in my life?
We’ve all asked as some point in life: “Where should I live, who should I marry, what should I do for work? What is my purpose in life?”
Life sure isn’t easy, is it? Waiting, trusting and seeking the Lord’s will to show us the “right steps” in life is hard. And in some ways I don’t know that He directs us like we’d like to think He does. Let me explain…
Do I believe He’s in the details, yes I do. But, I’m not one who thinks we have to look for signs everywhere we turn to see if it’s the Lords will to move forward in something. I also believe we need to be careful how we seek to find the answers to these questions.
Today, so many churches and so-called teachers/authors love to promote a “signs and wonders” Christianity that lead many to a “feelings” or “experience-based” faith that isn’t much different than the person seeking a physic, motivational speaker or genie in a bottle for that matter. This may be a harsh statement, but we know this is happening, because Scripture warns us about this exact thing! Many Churches have marketed themselves on our desire for answers and have led us down the path of self-seeking, prosperity driven, “me-ism” that has nothing to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So how can we know the will of God for our lives?
In Romans 12 Paul has this very important answer:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
Paul shows us here how to take the “right steps” and live in the will of God:
~ First and foremost, we need to remember we live in the will of God by the mercy shown to us. So Amen to that! There is much to unpack in the mercy of God (Justification, sanctification, grace, the Holy Spirit… but find a great commentary that can explain it better that I can)
~ We also live in the will of God by yielding our whole bodies/lives to Him. All areas of our lives can love, serve & worship Him, as our living sacrifice; and there is purpose in every part of that!
~ We live in the will of God by not conforming to this world. By resisting what this world tells us we should do. (This includes false teachers & their doctrines) So much in the New Testament exhorts us to be careful that we don’t love this world more than we love God and His Word.
~ We live in the will of God by focusing on God’s Word and our fellowship with Him. A life in the will of God is being renewed in our minds daily by the transforming power of God, and fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ. Focusing on God’s Word, not our feelings, desires or experiences.
Simply put, I believe we are FREE in Christ to live, move, work, marry, etc… when we do all for the glory of God! That our lives will be in the will of God when we live every part of our lives for Him! And all those “right steps” will be evident to us because the Holy Spirit will be working in us, helping us to discern what IS the will of God.
And in the middle of all that, we’ll get to see sweet confirmation of ALL that God is doing! It may take a while, and it may still be hard to trust Him. But the details will become evident, the doors will open, and God will show you right where He wants you.
This is why I encourage you to write down what God is doing in your lives! It’s so important to keep a journal so you can look back on what the Lord has been showing you in His Word. This journal post was from a day I read Psalm 121 (which I encourage you to read today too) and it was exactly what my heart and mind needed to read. (That happens so often… because GOD)
So friends… If we want to hear to the voice of God and know His will for our lives, we need to LIVE & ABIDE in Christ.
That is where we will freely know “what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
I hope this blesses and encourages you today! If you need prayer for your next “right steps” please feel free to email me your prayer request or find me on IG @artandfaithcreative. I’d love to pray for you.
Hugs to all,
Laura McCollough
Oh by the way… since we’re moving, we’re also looking for our next home! And look at this cute one we saw today… (No it’s not for sale, but oh it’s so cute, and in an adorable neighborhood!) I think I need ivy growing on the next house… What do you think??
